as john larson has said, inaction would be neglect. inaction would be complicit with what potentially will happen in the future. i don't think we can afford to wait. we need to act as a country, as a congress to protect whomever we can. we can't -- you know, we can't protect everyone from all evil, but there are steps we can take reasonably. as mike thompson -- i want to applaud mike as well for his leadership here. my inlaws are from montana. i understand people enjoy the ability to hunt and to -- my son, my 13-year-old son has actually enjoyed that opportunity. i have not done it myself. i understand that rite of pass. i understand the meaning of that for my in-laws and i think for so many people in this country. i think they also understand that reasonable steps can be taken to ensure that the safety of our children in particular can be safeguarded. and so i thank mike and all those within our caucus and our republican colleagues, those who will stand with us as well. i appreciate them taking the action by ensuring the safety of all